Internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) wanting to register to work as a nurse in New Zealand

Internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) wanting to register to work as a nurse in New Zealand

Q: How do I request an application pack for an internationally qualified nurse?

A: Guidelines for applicants are on our website. You can download all necessary information, click here.

Q: How long does the overseas application process take?

A: Once the Council has received all the documents required for your application, including your education transcript from your school, a decision on your registration will be made in 30 – 40 days.

Q: My transcript won’t be in English, can I send it with a translation?

A: Yes, we require the original transcript and also a translation by a certified translator.

Q: Can you recommend an agent for my registration application?

A: The Council is impartial and does not recommend agents.

Q: Have you received my application?

A: The Council has a mail tracking system and once an IQN registration application is received, a letter acknowledging receipt of the application will be sent to you within 21 working days. Please do not make an enquiry before four weeks has elapsed. Please allow about a week for your application to get to New Zealand, so you need to add this on the 21 days that you may have to wait for acknowledgment of your application

Q: Have you received my documents?

A: We use a mail tracking system to keep track of all incoming mail. We acknowledge receipt of documents within 21 working days.

Q: What is the status of my application? Where is my application at?

A: We aim to have decisions on the status of your application to you within 30 – 40 days of receiving all your documentation.

Q: Can you send a letter about the progress of my application to Immigration New Zealand/ my case manager/ the police/ my future employer?

A: We do not have the resources to do this, but you can tell people that the Council aims to process all applications with correct documentation within 30 – 40 days.

Q: Can I get my documents returned?

A: No, the Nursing Council does not return documents and this is clearly stated in the registration information.

Q: Does everyone have to do the English language test?

A: Yes, all nurses applying for registration in New Zealand (apart from those applying under TTMR) have to take the test. When the Council registers a nurse, it is providing the public with an assurance that a nurse is competent and fit to practise and fitness to practise includes the ability to communicate effectively in English, as this is essential for safe nursing in New Zealand. The standards New Zealand requires are very much on a par with those of health regulatory authorities in other countries – a recent review assured us of this. The standards may be met over a series of tests rather than in just one test sitting.

Q: I come from the UK/Ireland/USA/Canada/South Africa/ and have spoken English all my life. Why do I need to do an English language test?

A: English language tests are now standard practice in many places throughout the world. With globalisation, there is no guarantee that because you come from an English speaking country, you are an English speaker and the ability to understand and to speak English is essential for safe nursing in New Zealand. It is worth noting that New Zealand nurses going to England also have to undertake an English language test.

Q: I failed my English language assessment. Can I register as a Enrolled Nurse instead of as a Registered Nurse?

A: No – every nurse applying for registration in New Zealand needs to meet English language requirements regardless of their scope of practice.

Q: Why have I been told that I need to do a Competence Assessment Programme (CAP)?

A: The Council has a responsibility to ensure that all registered nurses working in New Zealand are safe and competent to practise. CAPs play an important role in ensuring that participants are prepared for the New Zealand nursing context and the role of the nurse in New Zealand. Every application from an internationally qualified nurse is assessed for its qualification equivalence to a New Zealand nursing programme and many internationally qualified nurses need to complete a CAP to prepare them for work in New Zealand.Local nurses returning to the workforce are also required to undertake a CAP.

Q: How much does a CAP cost?

A: Fees vary so you will need to contact the CAP provider directly for this. You can find a list of providers, click here. 

Q: Can I get an extension for my registration application as I can’t get into a Competence Assessment Programme for the rest of the year?

A: The Council will consider an extension of six months. You need to make an application in writing for an extension and each case will be decided on its individual merits.

Q: My visa is running out/my job starts soon – can you fast track my application?

A: We recommend that everyone completes their registration prior to sorting out visas and employment.

Q: Can you tell me about visa requirements for New Zealand?

A: You will need to get this information from Immigration New Zealand at www.immigration.govt.nz

Q: Can you give me information about employment opportunities in New Zealand?

A: The Council is a regulatory authority and our business is the regulation of nursing and registration of nurses. You will need to search on the internet for employment

Q: I don’t have a credit card so how can I pay the registration fee?

A: If you are overseas, you can pay by bank draft drawn on a New Zealand bank made out to the New Zealand Nursing Council. If you are already in New Zealand, you could pay by personal cheque or bank cheque.

Q: I have been informed that the Council is proposing to decline my application for registration and I have been invited to a Registration Committee meeting.  When will I hear the result?

A: You will be invited to the next available meeting of the Registration Committee.  You can either appear in person or provide a written submission or both.  The Registration Committee will inform you of its decision either after the meeting or in writing shortly afterwards

FOR OTHER QUESTIONS NOT COVERED HERE, PLEASE EMAIL:  oseas@nursingcouncil.org.nz